The new platinum purifcation section at Impala Platinum Limited-Refneries,
Springs, is an addition to the enhanced precious metals refinery (EPMR)
completed by BATEMAN in 1997.A classical platinum refining route is
used in the new plant, with two signifcant new pieces of equipment added
to improve the process. The first is an automated Nutsche pressure filter
for the removal of insoluble impurities, and the second is a Peeler
centrifuge for the separation of the pure platinum salt.
Bromate hydrolysis glass-lined vessels with mineral-wool reinforced
insulation and polyvinylidene fuoride (PVDF) pipework.
The bromate mud filtration system with Nutsche pressure filter.
Hot commissioning of the plant was accomplished in a minimum of time,
and within two weeks of operations commencing, all the mainline platinum
was routed through the platinum purifcation section. The product meets
Impala’s stringent purity specifcations. The project was completed
in accordance with operational requirements and within the budgeted
cost. This project was the latest of a sequence of projects undertaken
at Springs by BATEMAN for Impala Platinum Limited-Refineries.
Platinum salt precipitation glass-lined vessels, glass condensers
and polypropylene pipework.
Integrated
project team
A feature of this EPCM project was the way in which an integrated team
of personnel from both Impala and BATEMAN tackled the project. The bulk
of the work was in fact done out of Impala’s Springs offices, greatly
facilitating team-working relationships during the project and the hand
over of the facility to the client on its conclusion.
Impala supplied all of the basic design criteria while BATEMAN brought
its decades of project experience on the processing of platinum group
metals (PGMs) to the team. BATEMAN also led the hazard and operability
studies (Hazops), which ensured that the commissioning of the new equipment
proceeded smoothly. Besides the normal operational requirements of the
plant, the project team also ensured that Impala’s specifcations
in respect of security, health and safety were met.
Platinum
processing
Platinum refining involves allergenic metal salts and dangerous and
corrosive chemicals. This means that exotic materials are needed, such
as titanium, glass reinforced plastics (GRP), glass (used for pipelines,
condensers, ion exchange columns and the lining of reaction vessels),
SAF 2205 stainless steel, carbon-block heat exchangers, polypropylene
and polyvinylidene fuoride piping and tanks. The plant design and methods
of construction require specialist experience and are often onerous.
All emissions from the plant are channelled through a bag filter to
eliminate the release of platinum salts to the atmosphere.
Safety
In respect of safety, the project team maintained BATEMAN’s good
record, with no disabling injuries occurring during the 156 760 man-hours
worked on the project.
Platinum salt bag filter unit extracting air from the separation
centrifuge.
Project
statistics
| Client: |
Impala Platinum Limited-Refneries |
| Location: |
Springs, RSA |
| Contract: |
Type EPCM Duration |
| Planning |
November 1997 |
| Budget estimate |
March 1998 |
| First platinum produced |
June 1999 |
| Plant hand over |
August 1999 |
| Total project man-hours |
156 760 hours |
| Peak labour force |
100 |
| Disabling injuries |
Nil |
